James h



J. H. LAYMAN.

PRUNINGIMPLEMENT.

(No Model.)

No. 246,399. Patented Aug. 30,1881.

FIG.1. FIG-2. 1 Z(;--23.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JAMES H. LAYMAN, OF CINCINNATI, OHIO, ASSIGNOR TO FREDERICK J. MEYERS AND PATRICK W. COLLINS, BOTH OF COVINGTON, KY.

PRUNING IMPLEMENT.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 246,399, dated August 30, 1881. Application filed July 9, lssi. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern Be it known that 1, JAMES H. LAYMAN, of Cincinnati, Hamilton county, Ohio, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Pruning Implements, of which the following is a specification.

My invention consists in combining with the cutting-jaw of a pruning implement a system of segmental gears, the peculiar construction of which allows of a greater or less'leverage being exerted against said jaw, as occasion may require.

In the annexed drawings, Figure 1 is a front elevation of my pruning implement, the segmental gears being shown arranged to produce a rapid movement of the cutting-jaw. Fig. 2 is a front elevation of the hooked member of the implement. Fig. 3 is a vertical section of the pruner, the segmental gears being set so as to effect a slow movement of the cutting jaw.

A represents a hook-shaped plate or bar, having a tang or shank, B, that is secured in the handle C, and threc"eyes oi apertures, D E F, of whieh apertures the upper one, I), re ceives the pivot G of cutting-jaw H, the head of said pivot being countersunkfas seen in Fig. 3. This cutting-jaw has a sharpened edge or blade, I, and terminates with a segmental gear, J, capable of engaging with either ofthe segmental gears K or L of the operating-lever M. These gears K L are concentric, but of different radii, although they both turn on the common center or pivot N, which latter is adapted to be engaged in either of the apertures E or F, as occasion may demand. Furthermore, the gears KL are situated in different planes, as seen in Fig. 3.

When this implement is to be employed for cutting 0% small branches the pivot N is inserted in the aperture F, so as to cause the gear .K to mesh with the gear J ofjaw H I, as seen in Fig. 1. The jaw is then opened, hook A engaged with the branch to be severed, and the two levers C and M are brought together, thereby closing said jaw and causing its blade I to cut off the limb. As the gearK is of greater diameter than the gear J, it is evident the jaw H I will be closed quite suddenly, but not with a very great degree of force. A great increase of power may, however, at any time be readily obtained by simply withdrawing the pivot N, turning the bandle M over so as to bring its other gear, L, in gear with the gear J, and then inserting said pivot in the aperture E, as seen in Fig. 3. As the gear L is of considerably less diameter than the gear J, it is apparent that thejaw H I must move quite slowly, but with a corresponding increase of power It is also apparent that by making the two gears K L in different planes the larger one, K, will play in front of the gear J, when the implement is arranged asjust described, which arrangement is to be adopted when comparatively thick branches are to be severed.

I claim as my invention The combination of hook-plate A, having apertures D E F, pivot G, and cutting-jawHIJ with the detach able operating-lever M, carrying segmental gears K L, of unequal diameters and situated in different planes, the common pivot N of said gears being capable of engagement with either of the apertures E or F, as herein described, and for the purpose stated.

In testimony whereof I afiix my signature inv presence of two witnesses.

JAMES H. LAYMAN. Witnesses:

SAML. S. CARPENTER, ELMER A. VANCE. 

